Gunderson assumes interim role

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 — With the position vacant for the last month of its term, Lassen County Superintendent of Schools elect, Patricia Gunderson asked to be appointed to the role and was granted the chance by the Lassen County Board of Education.

“I’m excited to get moving,” said Gunderson after the board approved the appointment at a Wednesday, Dec. 3 special meeting.

Past county superintendent, Rich DuVarney, resigned from the role, effective Dec. 1, according to board president Jan Bryant.

Dahle takes oath for second term

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 — Brian Dahle took the oath of office Monday, Dec. 1 for his second term in the California Assembly, vowing to work for his constituents to protect rural health care systems, promote balanced use of our natural resources and fight job-killing taxes and regulations.

“I am humbled by the support of the voters in the First Assembly District,” said Dahle, who won more votes in the Nov. 4 election than any other candidate in the California Assembly’s 80 districts. “It’s an honor to represent the people of rural Northern California, and I’ll work every day to fight for their needs and give them a strong voice in Sacramento.”

Winter arrives at Lassen

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 — The recent storms and transition to icy winter conditions have closed the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway to vehicle traffic for the season as of Monday, Dec. 1. The park highway is open to the Manzanita Lake area at the north entrance and to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, one mile inside the southwest entrance to the park.

“A winter visit to Lassen will transport you to a snow-covered landscape just waiting to be explored,” said acting park superintendent Steve Gibbons. “We invite you to the park to snowshoe, ski, go sledding or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.”

Cal OES issues statement on forthcoming rain storms

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 — The Director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Mark Ghilarducci has released the following statement about the statewide rain system expected later this week:

"This week California is expected to experience high winds and heavy rains in several parts of our state. For many of us, these rains are a welcome sign for agricultural and domestic water needs. We live in the arid West and this year has been historically dry. Any help that Mother Nature provides will alleviate extremely low water levels and is greatly needed.

“We know that it can flood anywhere that we receive heavy rains. This storm will present a risk of flash flooding and debris slides in areas where ground conditions have not adapted to the saturation. This year was also a significant fire season for Northern and Southern California and burned areas are especially at risk for debris slides. Even regions that don't experience regular seasonal flooding could see flash flooding during this intense storm system, which could be the largest to date of this year's rainy season.